Tom, it looks to me like there may be a spring missing. This would allow the rocker/tappet assembly to slide back and forth on the shaft. As pointed out in an earlier reply, it looks like there are springs between the other assemblies. How many shaft springs does the parts book list? I doubt the bushings are the cause of the play. Keep cool - John

Kevin, the dealership section probably works for many postings, but its current state excludes the inclusion of more and interesting information about these old businesses (e.g., multiple photos, expanded text). I recommend that you explore applications with more capabilities. Thanks - John

The company is still in business under the name "Isky". I looked at their online catalog for adjustable push rods and did not see anything for the Packard V-8s. Another suggestion is using push rods from another engine that will fit the Packard V-8s.

That fellow would be Ron Carpenter: Carpenter's Classic Cars, 925-933-1486 tel, 925-939-6904 fax, rcarp1940@aol.com e-mail, 20 Los Ranchitos, Alamo, CA 94507. I hope he can help. John

I believe the adjustable push rods were made by Iskedarian (sp.?). They were a manufacturer of performance camshafts and valve gear for most engines at that time. I do not know if they are still in business, or how to acquire a set of push rods. It might be possible to modify the rocker arms to accept adjusting screws and nuts. John

I have business cards for two vendors in the Bay Area. I have no experience with them, but they are probably worth a call.

Jim's License Plate Refinishing
Jim Gentile
3449 Virgil Circle
Pleasanton, CA 94588
925-462-1506

Buy - Sell - Trade Old and Unusual License Plates
Dave Hindman
256 North Alamo Drive
Vacaville, CA 95688
707-448-8942 (phone)
707-448-3428 (fax)
Davesclp@aol.com (e-mail)

Also, I bought a set of 1937 NM license plates for my 115C from an individual in Albuquerque, NM. He restores and sells unrestored license plates. I believe he deals mostly in NM plates. I can get his contact info if you are interested.

There are usually one or two license plate dealers at the swap meet section of the Good Guys Get Togethers in Pleasanton.

Good luck,

John

Could it be that the Russian castings were a bit larger overall because of their (possibly less sophisticated) techniques? This would grow the finished dimensions, would it not? The Russians were masters at reverse engineering others' products. U.S. B-29 aircraft, and a British jet engine are among some of their noteable efforts. I'm looking forward to the follow-up report on this.

This is an elegant and well researched solution to the problem of Packard V-8 lifter noise caused by insufficient oil pressure and/or supply.

Back in the day, my father, a former Packard dealer in Santa Fe, NM was wrestling with this problem without much success or technical help from Packard. His solution was to install adjustable push rods. As I recall he would set them for about .001-.002" for the intake valves and about .002-.003" for the exhaust valves. This solution resulted in quiet valves,and smoother idling engines. Of course, there was the added maintenance item of periodic valve adjustment. Something to consider ...

Generally, the primary (front) linings are shorter than the secondary (rear) ones, but not always. Sometimes the primary and secondary lining materials have different colors, but always. Regards - John

I recall that in the day of exclusive drum brake use it was common practice to get replacement brake shoes with oversize (thicker) lining. The drums would be turned, and then the inside diameter measured. This measurement would be transferred to the linings on the shoes, via a special gauge, and the linings would be sized to reflect the drum diameter. Also, particular attention was paid to the lining material on the primary (front) and secondary (rear) shoes. The primary and secondary lining materials were different. This involved special tools and knowledge that are probably in the waste bin of brake shop practice now. Keep in mind the special brake adjustment procedure on Packards. I always thought the brakes on these cars were more than adequate for the job, and feel completely comfortable driving my 115C in traffic or on the road. Good luck, John